Senior Technician (Innovative Sensors)

NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE); La Spezia; In loco; EUR 55.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A leading maritime research organization in La Spezia is seeking a technician to support their research in Quantum Technologies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in optics and data acquisition. This position includes working in both laboratory and maritime settings while providing support to trials and equipment lifecycle management. This role offers competitive compensation and requires a fit for sea certificate.

Competenze

• At least 4 years post-related experience in optics or a related field.
• Thorough knowledge of NATO languages, especially English.

Mansioni

• Provide technical services in support of CMRE Research and Development Programme.
• Assist with experimental design and implementation.
• Manage inventory of Innovative Sensors laboratory components.
• Support lifecycle management of Quantum Technologies.
• Provide support to Sea/Land based trials.

Conoscenze

Setup, calibration, operation and maintenance of optical systems and instruments

Development of data acquisition software

Basic electronics troubleshooting skills

Good communication skills

Very good interpersonal skills

Formazione

Higher vocational training in Optics Engineering

Bachelor Degree in engineering field

Strumenti

Oscilloscopes

Power meters

Spectrometers

Descrizione del lavoro

Primary Location: Italy-La Spezia

NATO Body: Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE)

Schedule: Full-time

Application Deadline: 15 December 2025

Salary (Pay Basis): 4,599.62 EUR (Monthly)

Grade NATO SSS Grade G12-G14 (ABCL B5-B6)

Clearance Level NS

POST CONTEXT

This is a position within the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), an organization of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

CMRE is an established, excellent scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development, centred on the maritime domain, delivering innovative and field-tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance.

The position is within the Ocean Engineering Dev Cell of the Ocean Engineering Section.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The Incumbent of the Post will provide technical services in support of CMRE Research and Development Programme. In general, they will work under the supervision of the QT & Innovative Sensors Cell Head, however they could be requested to plan and perform their work autonomously in the short time horizon, addressing requirements through their technical experience, also in team with other Staff.

Duties will cover a broad spectrum of activities related to Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors operations, ashore and on board vessels:

• Assist with experimental design and implementation under supervision of other EB Staff and in close coordination with RD Scientists;
• Manage inventory of Innovative Sensors laboratory components and equipment;
• Support the Cell Head in the lifecycle management of CMRE Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors related systems, subsystems and components (specification, procurement, acceptance, testing, calibration, operation at sea, maintenance and repair);
• Support the Cell Head during the preparation of technical proposals and budget planning, for Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors related activities;
• Assist and participate, sharing their skills and experience with peers and supervisors, in the preliminary design and the integration of new CMRE Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors based or related equipment and systems, providing expertise in the selection, specifications, procurement, and integration into underwater, marine or Ships deck systems;
• Provide support to Sea/Land based trials, as principal or deputy Engineering Coordinator if required, addressing the full cycle of related activities (trial planning, equipment preparation, logistics, installation, safety checks, deployment and operation, and final reporting);
• Support data acquisition, analysis, and documentation;
• Working autonomously, or in Team with junior Technicians, ensure the proper maintenance, troubleshooting and storekeeping of instruments and equipment, and overall Quantum Technologies and Innovative Sensors laboratory operation;
• Perform other related/similar duties as directed to support the Organization in dealing with emergent requirements for defined periods.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

a. Flexibility Clause

The Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties even in other parts of the Organization as directed.

As required by the Program of Work, the Incumbent may be asked to participate in Working Groups or Project Teams, and to coordinate and organize the work of other Technicians and Craftspersons.

All other related duties should correspond with the required competencies for the job.

b. Deployment/Travel

The incumbent may be required to perform duties on-board Centre or chartered vessels. The incumbent may be required to undertake TDY assignments within and outside NATO boundaries.

c. Certification

The incumbent needs to hold a fit for sea certificate in line with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards before taking up duty.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

a. Professional/Experience

• Setup, calibration, operation and maintenance of optical systems and instruments (e.g., lasers, lenses, interferometers, beam splitters, wave-plates, polarizers, and fiber optics), in laboratory and on field;
• Lasers and optical setups alignment;
• Development and/or customization of data acquisition software for optical related systems, and performance of data quality assessment
• Proficient laboratory equipment s(e.g. oscilloscopes, power meters, and spectrometers) use and operation;
• Basic electronics and circuits troubleshooting skills;
• Participation and technical support to Sea Trials, to include contributions in planning, preparation, execution, and reporting phases;
• Participation and support in the preparation of technical (feasibility studies, specifications, procedures, reports) and budget proposals.

b. Education/Training

Higher vocational training in Optics Engineering, or other related discipline, leading to a professional qualification or accreditation, and at least 4 years post-related experience

Or

Higher secondary educational qualification in a Technical Field, and at least 8 years post-related experience

c. Language Requirements

A thorough knowledge of one of the two NATO languages, both written and spoken, is essential and some knowledge of the other is desirable.

English SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).

NOTE: Most of the work of CMRE is conducted in the English language.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

a. Professional/Experience

• Technical support in the development and operation of custom maritime/underwater equipment and systems;
• Participation to on-field/at-sea applied Quantum Technology activities, in support of maritime research or other industrial operations;
• Lifecycle management (e.g. specification, procurement, test, calibration, integration, operation, maintenance and repair) of state of the art, Quantum Technology and Innovative Sensing equipment and systems;
• Single photon circuits development and customization
• Experimentation with Quantum Effect based sensors, including integration in larger systems;
• Supervision of a Team of Junior Technicians and Craftspersons in day-to-day engineering tasks;
• Work in international environment.

b. Education/Training

• Bachelor Degree at a Nationally Recognized/Certified University in an engineering field (e.g. Electronics, Computer Science).

c. Language Requirements

• Italian SLP 2222 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing), to collaborate on day-by-day activities with local Suppliers, Contractors and Authorities, and Ship staff.

ATTRIBUTES/COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate possess the following competencies / personal attributes:

• Good communication skills, both oral and written – able to communicate at all levels;
• Very good interpersonal skills. Solicits inputs and encourages others;
• Proactive, innovative and driven. Always displaying sound judgement;
• Excellent time management and organizational skills;
• Be able to develop and apply specialist and detailed technical expertise and to use technology to achieve work objectives;
• Be able to maintain a positive outlook at work and work productively when under pressure;
• Be able to adapt to changing circumstances.

All CMRE personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the current NATO Code of Conduct agreed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), and thus display the core values of integrity, impartiality, loyalty, accountability, and professionalism.

REMARKS

The duties are performed in an office, laboratory, workshop environment or on-board Centre ships. Slightly undesirable working conditions may apply.

Our recruitment process

• Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.
• Applications (including the most relevant publications, the diplomas - stating the highest level of education - and a CV) for this vacancy are to be submitted using the E-recruitment system;
• Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the CMRE Medical Adviser.

Additional information

• CMRE values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We welcome applications of nationals from all Member States and strongly encourage women to apply.
• Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

For more information on how to apply

How to apply for posts within NATO

6 tips to apply for posts within NATO

NOTE

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are to be submitted using the NATO Talent Acquisition Program (NTAP) https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=251787&lang=en

Applications submitted by other means are not accepted. NTAP allows adding attachments. Essential information must be included in the application form. Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section. Each question should be answered completely. Expressions such as “please see annex / enclosed document” or invitations to follow links to personal webpages are not acceptable and will be disregarded. All answers should be in English preferably, or French.